So, you’ve been healthy all day – you had a smoothie for breakfast, a salad for lunch, and salmon and veggies for dinner. But just as you settle down in front of the TV after dinner, those Ben & Jerry's cravings kick in and threaten to undo all your hard work. If this sounds a little too close to home, don’t let your sweet tooth sabotage your productive efforts. Here’s exactly how you can kick those sweet cravings to the curb.

1. Break the habit

So often we crave a snack after dinner purely out of habit. We have become so used to having something sweet each night that our body expects it - like it’s a part of our regular routine.

My tip is to break the habit by replacing it with a healthy behaviour that is just as comforting to you as gobbling down a few squares of chocolate.

Whether you take a bubble bath or listen to your favourite podcast, find something to distract yourself until the cravings pass. Trust me, after 10 minutes of keeping yourself busy, your need for something sweet will start to subside.

2. Balance is everything

Take a look at what you eat throughout the day. Are your three meals balanced, or are you being too restrictive and this is causing you to feel deprived and desperate for something sweet after dinner? If this is the case, you might not be getting enough nutrients throughout the day.

Focus on getting three balanced, satisfying meals and snacks if you need – making sure that each meal is packed with enough good fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil) and lean proteins (eggs, fish, or chicken).

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3. Brush your teeth after dinner

Give your teeth a good scrub after dinner and even try some mouthwash, too. I know it sounds simple, but trust me, it’s totally effective.

4. Close the kitchen

Another trick I often tell my 28ers is to try and stick to a regular dinner time, and once dinner is finished, close the kitchen for business! Put a reminder on the fridge or a sign on the pantry door that the kitchen is closed until the morning so that you’re not tempted to sneak in for a post-dinner Cadbury hit.

5. Prioritize some shut eye

It’s all too easy to stay up late mindlessly scrolling through your emails, Instagram or get stuck into your favourite TV show. But not only does this cut into valuable sleep time, it also throws off your circadian rhythm and sleep schedule, which can increase hunger and cravings for all things sugary.

Make sure you are getting at least 7.5 hours of sleep a night, and try to hit the hay and wake up at the same time.

6. Sub in a healthy alternative

For those times those sweet cravings are simply too hard to resist, go for a healthy alternative that will satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging all of your hard work.

A herbal tea with ½ teaspoon of coconut oil, or a liquorice tea, can put sweet cravings to bed. Or if you need something a little more substantial, a handful of berries, a homemade bliss ball, or a piece of dark chocolate should do the trick.